CBD and Alcohol is a very popular topic right now. CBD-infused alcoholic beverages are becoming a popular item in the bar and restaurant industry. Since more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of CBD, manufacturers are coming up with all new CBD-based products. CBD-based products are spreading like a wildfire in the market. CBD-infused drinks or what is more popularly known as CBD beverages is an exciting product. But, Is mixing CBD and alcohol a good idea?
CBD Vs. Alcohol
CBD
Cannabidiol or CBD for short is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD and other terpenes are extracted from hemp or marijuana plants. Other compounds and terpenes can be removed from CBD. This makes a CBD isolate. CBD isolates are the purest form of CBD, containing only CBD itself with no other compounds.
CBD has a different chemical makeup than THC. THC is the intoxicating cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant. CBD has no intoxicating effects. The most common effects of CBD include relief from joint, muscle, and bone discomforts, a decrease in inflammation, and relief from stress and anxious thoughts.
The majority of all CBD products sold today are derived from hemp plants. This is because hemp-derived products containing less than .3% THC were made legal by the 2018 Farm Bill Act. CBD can also be extracted from the marijuana plant, however, those products will have a much higher THC content and are only legal in states that have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use.
There have been no reports of overdoses due to the overuse of CBD products. Research shows CBD can be taken in high doses without life-threatening effects.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the main ingredient in alcoholic beverages that makes you intoxicated or makes you feel drunk. It is formed because of the interaction between yeast, sugar, and carbohydrate-rich foods such as grain and certain types of fruits. This takes place through a fermentation process.
Alcohol is the most abused substance in the United States. It can alter your thoughts and state of mind. It compromises motor skills and decision-making. Alcohol can cause short-term and long-term side effects on the boy and mind.
Short-term side effects can include impaired judgment, coordination issues, blurred vision, slurred speech, and drowsiness, plus several other side effects. These side effects can last several hours.
Long-term risks of alcohol consumption include the possibility of addiction, which can lead to liver disease, brain damage, malnutrition, and nerve damage. Those are just a few of the severe long-term effects of alcohol misuse.
Does CBD affect the liver?
There is not enough research to be clear on how CBD affects the liver. Although, some studies have shown that a percentage of their subjects had to stop the use of CBD because they developed high liver enzymes. However, other research studies show that CBD can aid in the improvement of liver function. So at best, every person reacts differently with CBD products, you should always follow your doctor’s advice when adding CBD to your daily regimen.
Can you become addicted to CBD?
In short, No. CBD does not contain a psychoactive compound, therefore does not induce addiction. Unlike alcohol, CBD does not impair psychological functions, motor skills, heart rate, or body temperature. CBD is not a habit-forming substance.
Will mixing CBD and Alcohol make you more drunk?
CBD does not increase the intoxication rate of alcohol. It also does not induce psychoactive thoughts when mixed with alcohol. There are a few rumors circulating around combining alcohol and CBD, but those are in fact, myths.
CBD mixed with alcohol will not get you any more or less drunk, and it will most definitely not get you “high”. CBD is safe to consume with alcohol. CBD-infused alcoholic beverages are becoming a hip menu item in many bars and restaurants. Alcoholic beverages that include CBD in their ingredients list, use only CBD derived from the hemp plant. These drinks contain less than .3% THC.
What kind of alcohol can you mix with CBD?
There is a variety of recipes available at your fingertips for CBD-infused Alcoholic beverages. Since CBD is alcohol soluble this makes it easier for the body to absorb the CBD within the alcohol. Ethanol (alcohol) extraction is one of the most common ways of extracting CBD from the hemp plant. If you would like to enjoy the relaxing effects of CBD, but without getting a buzz, you can mix it into virgin versions of your favorite cocktail recipes.
Does CBD help with Hangovers?
Although CBD does not help with intoxication or impaired motor skills, it might help lessen the symptoms associated with hangovers, such as headaches, fatigue, upset stomach, and increased blood pressure.
CBD has strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. This makes it a decent and acceptable option for nursing hangovers and reducing the damage caused by alcohol. If you want to know how CBD can help with hangovers then it’s in your best interest to understand how a hangover actually happens.
Alcohol can zap you of your electrolytes, and cause inflammation in the stomach causing nausea, headaches, and exhaustion. All these things are symptoms of a hangover. In addition, CBD can help alleviate some symptoms due to the way it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. When CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system it reduces anxious thoughts, reduces discomforts, aids in relieving stomach ailments, reduces inflammation throughout the body, and so much more.
1. Reduces symptoms of headache and brain fog
CBD has the potential to help you avoid the infamous party night, drinking headache, and brain fog. As headache pain comes from inflammation, CBD contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help you get relief quickly. Furthermore, some people also find that CBD dries out their mouths and encourages them to drink more water. Symptoms of a hangover are heightened by dehydration. Any reminder to sip water throughout the night will lessen your symptoms later. Hydration is key!
2. Calms Nausea
CBD acts as an antiemetic, which means that it can help reduce the physical sensations of nausea and vomiting. Taking CBD after a long night out, and you are less likely to feel nauseous the next morning.
3. Helps Prevent anxious thoughts
A night out of drinking can often trigger feelings of anxiety by increasing your brain’s cortisol levels. CBD interacts with your serotonin receptors to slow down your cortisol response and restore a feeling of emotional balance.
As a result, If you feel stressed during a hangover, CBD can help relax your mind allowing you to recover at a faster rate.
4. Fights free radical damage
After a long night out the body needs a serious nutrition boost. As it is, CBD is a powerful antioxidant, it can help put vitamins back into your system and help flush toxins from your system to reduce free radical damage from the alcohol.
5. Relieves fatigue
It is normal to feel a bit sluggish after drinking. CBD may give you a boost of energy to get your body and brain back on track. Cannabidiol interacts with your system on a cellular level to bring it back into balance so that you start to recover and get back to feeling good faster.
In closing, there is no reason CBD would do any harm while taken with alcohol or after drinking. It may add the benefits of a less angry hangover, after a fun night out. There are a variety of CBD products you can mix with your drink or consume afterward such as oils and gummies. Both of these products will aid in reducing the effects of a hangover.
